Orchard heater



@6%. i5, 1935. A H. H, CH-RlSTENSEN 2,017,275

ORCHARD HEATER Filed Feb. 23, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet l ORCHARD HEATER 2 sheets-sheet 2 Filed Feb. 23, 1932 Patented Oct. 15, 1935 PATENT OFFICE ORCHARD HEATER Howard H.

Christensen, San Antonio, Tex., as-

signor to OKeefe & Merritt Co., Los Angeles, Calif., a. corporation of California Application February 23, 1932, seria1N0.594,407

12 Claims.

This invention relates to a heater and relates more particularly to an orchard heater for protecting trees, fruit, crops, etc.. against injury from frost or extreme cold. It is a general object of the present invention to provide an orchard heater of the oil burning type that is particularly effective in the production of heat and that is practically smokeless.

The types of orchardheaters in general use produce great quantities of smoke which is extremely undesirable as it soils the trees, fruit etc., and in localities where a large number of orchard heaters are used, this smoke sometimes becomes a public nuisance. A lowl grade of liquid hydrocarbon fuel is usually employed in orchard heaters, and the production of excessive smoke is often dueto the incomplete combustion of the fuel caused by the insumcient or improper admixture of air with the gases of combustion rising from the surface of the burning fuel,

An object of this invention is toprovide an orchard heater operable to effect substantially complete combustion of the fuel to produce a maximum amount of heat with little or no smoke.

1t is another object of the invention to provide an orchard heater that embodies improved and particularly effective means for admitting air into the combustion chamber and for mixing the ai with the gaseous volatized. fuel to provide for its` complete combustion.

1t is another object of the invention to provide an orchard heater that Will burn or operate efficiently for a long period of time with a minimum amount of attention and regulation.

it is another object of the invention to provide an orchard heater of the character mentioned that is extremely easy to clean of soot, etc., that may accumulate in the combustion chamber. In devices of this character there is a decided tendency for soot, carbon, etc., to accumulate in the stack and on the parts adjacent the points Where air is admitted to the combustion chamber vor stack. This accumulation of soot and like matter, often greatly impairs the efficiency of the heaters, and the usual types of `heaters must be taken apart after short periods of operation and soot removed from the various parts. In accordance with the present invention, the soot, carbon, that may accumulate at the points of admis-sion of the air may be easily and quickly removed or dislodged byl lightly tapping o1' striking a certain part of the heater.

is another object of the invention to provide an orchard heater is extremely simple and inexpensive of manufacture. The heater of the present invention is formed of a minimum number of simple parts that may be constructed of sheet metal or other relatively inexpensive material.

It is another object of the invention to provide an orchard heater of the character mentioned that may be easily and quickly taken apart or dismantled for cleaning, etc.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an orchard heater that includes improved means for directing and circulating air in the fuel container where the initial combustion occurs.

Other objects and features of the invention will be best and more fully understood from the foilowing detailed description of typical forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference will be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a vertical detailed sectional view of the heater provided by this invention. Fig. 2 is a horizontal detailed sectional View taken as indicated by line 2-2 on Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional View taken substantially as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. 1. Fig. l is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 4-4 on Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical or sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line on Fig. 3 illustrating a portion of the corrugated section or collar, and a portion of the baffle. Fig. 6 is a vertical detailed sectional viewof the lower end portion of the heater, illustrating a modified form of air deector. f

The embodiment of lustrated in Figs. 1 to the present invention i1- 5 inclusive of the drawings, includes, generally, a. fuel container I0, means II for admitting air into the container IB and for circulating the air in the container, a body tor main stack I2 mounted on the fuel container lil and providing a combustion chamber I3, and means I4 for admitting air into the combustion chamber I3 and for effecting the admixture of the air with the gases of combustion arising from the burning fuel F.

The fuel container I is a hollow structure of suitable shape provided to hold the fuel F and to support the main stack l2 and the various other parts of the heater. In the particular case illustrated in the drawings, the container IU is of round horizontal cross section, and has a flat bottom I and flared sides I6. A reducer is provided on the upper end of the container I0 and has a cylindrical collar I1 at its upper end and a downwardly and outwardly flared apron I8 at its lower end. The apron I8 seats on the upper edge of the fuel container I. An annular lip or flange I9 may be provided on the lower end of the apron I8 to have a snug disengageable t with a cylindrical bead or flange 20 on the upper end of the container walls I 6. The fuel container Io is adapted to be filled with fuel to a line a short distance below the iiange 20 and the fuel F is initially burned directly in the container I0 to generate or form the gases of combustion that are finally consumed within chamber I3.

The means II for admitting air into the fuel container ID is variable or adjustable to compensate for various atmospheric conditions, quality and quantity of ther liquid fuel F, etc. The means II is operable to spreadV or diffuse the air admitted into the fuel container I0 to provide for the effective initial combustion or burning of the fuel. An air inlet and filling opening 2I is provided in the apron I8 and is surrounded by an outwardly projecting rim or flange 22. A cap or closure 23 is hinged to the flange 22. 'Ihe closure 23 is normally in the closed position illustrated in the drawings, but is adapted to be swung open to permit the ready lling of the fuel into the container I3. Anaperture or opening 24 is provided in the closure 23 to admit the air into the fuel container I3. The quantity of air admitted through the opening 24 is adapted to be varied by means of a slide or gate 25. The gate 25 is adapted to extend various distances across the opening 2d and may be readily moved or adjusted to provide for the regulation of the supply of air to the fuel container I3. Guide ways 26 may be provided on the closure 23 to slidably carry the gate 25.

The means II includes a grate plate or air bailie 21 to direct or spread the incoming air downwardly against and. across the surface of the burning fuel F. The air baffle 21 is spaced inwardly from the inlet opening 2I and depends from the apron I8 to have its lower end portion submerged in the fuel F'.A In the embodiment of the invention being described, the upper end of the air bale 21 is hinged or pivoted to the under side of the apron I8 as at 28. It is preferred to have the air baffle 21 inclined downwardly and inwardly toward or across the vertical center of the fuel reservoir IIJ. A float 29 is provided on the lower end of the air baiiie 21 to support or partially support the lower end of the balie on the fuel so that the baiile is disposed at a suitable angle at all times. In the preferred construction, the air baffle 21 is channel shaped in transverse cross section and is disposed with its`open side facing outwardly. The air baffle 21 directs the incoming air downwardly to impinge on the surface of the burning fuel F and effectively diffuses the air throughout the upper portion of the container IIJ to provide for the proper initial combustion of the fuel F. It will be noted that the baffle 21 prevents the incoming air, admitted through the opening ZI, from passing rapidly through the upper end of the containerl and out through the collar I1.

The main stack I2 is supported above the fuel container IE) through the means I4, as will be subsequently described, and forms or provides the combustion chamber I3 which receives the gases of combustion from the container I0. The main stack I2 is an elongate tubular member with open ends. In the specific form of the invention illustrated in the drawings, the main stack I2 is cylindrical and of substantially uniform conguration throughout its length. It is a feature of the present invention that the main stack i2 is of larger diameter than the collar I 1 to provide a large combustion chamber I3 in which the gases of combustion may have ample room for expansion. Spaced circumferential beads 30 may be provided to lend rigidity to the main stack I2. The lower end of the main stack I2 is open to receive air and the gases of combustion from the fuel container I0. A reducer collar or reducer 3I is provided on the upper end of the main stack I2 to carry the upper stack 32. An upstanding cylindrical flange 33 is provided on the upper end of the reducer 3I. The lower end of the stack 32 slidably or removably ts over the flange 33. The stack 32 is of considerably less diameter than the combustion chamber I3 to insure the desired draft, and the reducer 3| forms a suitable roof or restriction at the upper end of the combustion chamber I3.`

The means I4 for admitting air into the combusion chamber I3 and for effecting the proper admixture of air with the gases of combustion rising through the collar I1 is such that the gases of combustion are forced or caused to thoroughly mix with the incoming air so that they are fully or completely burned within the combustion chamber. The air entering the combustion chamber I3 may pass into the lower end of the chamber in any direction and thus provide for the effective distribution of ame within the chamber I3, and the complete diffusion of combustion to provide great heat.

The means I4 includes a corrugated collar or tube 35 extending over the upper end of the collar I1 and projecting upwardly into the lower end of the combustion chamber I3. In accordance with the broader aspects of the invention, the collar or tube 35 may be removably supported on the collar I1 in any suitable manner. In the particular instance illustrated in the drawings, the lower end of the corrugated tube or collar 35 rests on an outwardly projecting circumferential bead 36 on the collar I1. In accordance with the invention, the collar or tube 35 is corrugated throughout its circumference and length. The corrugations extend longitudinally of the tube 35 and are preferably flat sided. The corrugations are comparatively deep to have their inner vertical edges engaging the exterior of the collar I1 and to have their outer vertical edges engaging the inner Walls of the main stack I2.

The corrugations provide a plurality of outer passages 31 for passing air upwardly into the lower end of the main stack I2, and a plurality of inner passages 38 for passing the gases of combustion upwardly into the lower end of the main stack. The tube or collar 35,. corrugated in the manner illustrated in the drawings, provides a maximum amount of surface which may become heated by the uprising gases and that ei'- fectively heat the air flowing upwardly through the passages 31. This pre-heating of the air causes an initial expansion of the air before it enters the combustion chamber I3 so that it more readily. mingles with the volatile combustible gases.

It is an important feature of the present invention that the upper end of the corrugated tube 35 is perforated and shaped to allow the air to enter the combustion chamber in all directions. V-shaped cuts 40 are provided in the upper end of the corrugated collar or tube 35 to provide the corrugations with points, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings. In accordance with the broader principles of the invention, the openu ings or perforations in the upper end portion of the corrugated collar 35 may be of any desired or suitable shape or proportions. In the particular case illustrated in the drawings, vertical slots 4I are provided between each of the successive corrugations of the collar. The slots 4i extend downwardly from the V shaped cuts i8 to points in approximate alignment with the lower end of the main stack l2. It will be apparent that the slots 3i and the V shaped cuts it form air passages which allow the incoming air to pass into the chamber I3 in any direction. The incoming air flows upwardly through the passages 31 provided by the corrugations and becomes heated through'contact with the sides of the corrugations and through radiation from the corrugations so that it is heated and expanded before reaching the combustion chamber proper. The corrugated tube or collar 35 constitutes a connection between the fuel container i@ and the combustion chamber i3 that carries the gases of combustion upwardly into the chamber i3 and admits air into the chamber so that it is properly mixed with the gases. The inner spaces or passages 38 provided by the corrugations of the collar 35 pass the gases of combustion upwardly into the chamber i3. The lower ends of the passages 38 are preferably closed. The lower end portions i2 of the corrugations are split and bent or crimped. inwardly to close the lower ends of the passages 38 as illustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawings. The crimped ends 42 may rather tightly abut the collar l? to seal the lower ends of the inner passages 38. j

The corrugated tube or collar 35 is formed of sheet metal or other material that is flexible By flexible I mean capable of vibrating, shaking or jarring. It is an important feature of the present invention that the collar is constructed so that it vibrates or shakes when tapped or struck. Scot or carbon that may accumulate in the passages 3l or 38 and the slots il may be easily dislodged by striking or tapping the corrugated collar 35 to cause it to vibrate or shake. This dislodgement or removal of the accumulations of soot may be carried out while the heater is in use, and does not necessitate the handling or adjustment of any parts of the heater. In practice, the accumulations of carbon, soot, etc., may impair the efciency of the heater, and it may be necessary to remove them when the heater is in operation.

The means lil includes a deilector or baille 45 to spread and direct the gases of combustion outwardly toward the corrugated collar 35 where they effectively mingle with the incoming air. The baifle G5 is centrally disposed within the corrugated collar 35 and is preferably conical in shape. In accordance with the invention, the deector or baiile d5 is of less diameter than the collar 35 so that its periphery is spaced from the collar to provide an annular space S. An upstanding rim IB is provided at the periphery of the bailie to lend rigidity to the baille. The annular space S, together with the inner passages 38 of the corrugated collar 35, pass the heated gases of combustion upwardly from the fuel container l@ to the combustion chamber i3. Being conical, the bafe l5 is not easily warped and does not accumulate or gather soot, etc. Further, the conical baille e5 is effective in promoting the efficient mixing of air with the gases of combustion. The air passing substantially horizontally inward through the slots 4i and eorrugations, is deflected upward and inward toward a central the main stack i2 rests on the spaced arms 46.

A downwardly and outwardly inclined flange or lip di is provided on the lower end of the main stack i2 to provide an effective water shed and to seat on the bevelled outer ends of the arms 55. With the assembly orn parts just described, the bailie 35, the corrugated collar 35 and the main stackI i2 may each be easily and quickly removed cr dismantled in the order named. It is to be noted that the assembly does not employ or necessitate bolts, screws, or like parts.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings, the air inlet means Hb includes a rigid or xed air baiiie Zia. The air defiector or bafile Elia projects downwardly from the upstanding flange 22a and extends to a point at or adjacent the bottom i5?- of the fuel container. The baiiie Zia is channel shaped in transverse cross section. The flanges 'or wings B which are on the outer side of the baile Ela are preferably widest at the upper end of the baiiie. The other elei'nents of the heater may be similar to or identical with those described above. The operation of the means lib is similar to that of the means ii. The incoming air is denected downwardly and inwardly by the barile 2 so that it is spread against the surface of the burning fuel F and is prevented from prematurely rushing or passing upwardly out of the fuel container.

It is believed that the operation of the heater provided by this invention will be readily understood from the foregoing detailed description. The fuel F burns within the container Hi and the gases of combustion pass upwardly from the container i@ through the collar ill. Upon striking the baiiie e5 the heated gases are spread outwardly toward the corrugated collar 35 and pass upwardly through the annular space S and the passages 38. The corrugated tube or collar 35 becomes heated from this action and presents a iarge outer surface which effectively heats the air passing upwardly through the'passages 3l. rf'he air admitted through the passages 3i, which might be termed the auxiiiary air, is pre-heated and expanded before reaching 'the combustion chamber proper, so that it eiectively supports the combustion of the gases within the chamber. The air is free to pass into the chamber i3 in all directions as the t shaped cuts i9 and the slots Iii provide for the horizontal inward movement of the air while the passages pass the air upwardly. In practice, the burner is capable of handling or burning a low grade hydro-carbon liquid fuel and produces a great heat with little or no smoke. After a period of use, accumulations of soot, carbon, etc., may collect on the corrugated collar and the parts immediately adjacent. These accumulations may interfere with the admission of air into the combustion chamber i3 and thus impair the efficient operation of the heater. When this occurs the soot may be readiiy dislodged by tapping or lightly striking the corrugated collar with a stick or other object. This may be done whiie the heater is in use and hot, and causes the corrugated member 35 to vibrate or shake so that the soot, etc., falls from it. The burner may be constructed almost entirely of sheet metal and embodies only simple inexpensive parts. The various main or principal parts of the heater are assembled without the use of bolts or screws, and the heater-may be taken apart without the use of tools.

Having described only typical preferred forms of my invention, I do not wish to limit myself to the specific details set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any changes or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims:

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. An orchard heater of the character described including, a fuel container having an outlet for gases of combustion, a stack of greater diameter than said outlet spaced above the outlet, a longitudinally corrugated tubular collar receiving the gases from the outlet and extending into the lower end of the stack, said collar being provided with longitudinal slots in the upper end portion thereof, a baille within the collar, and arms on the baiiie extending through the spaced slots and in supporting engagement with the lower end of the stack.

2. An orchard heater heater including, a fuel container, a stack for receiving gases of combustion from the container, said container having an air inlet, an air baie spaced inward from the inlet and having its upper end pivoted to the container, and a float on the lower end of the air baie for supporting it on the fuel.

3. An orchard heater comprising in combination, a fuel container having a gas outlet at its to-p, a stack arranged above said outlet and of greater cross sectional area than the outlet, a vertically corrugated collar interposed between the outlet and the lower end of the stack, said collar having air openings formed therein to admit air into the stack, and a baie arranged within the collar and spaced therefrom to deect the gases rising upwardly from the outlet ,and distribute said gases to the annular space formed between the collar and the baffle.

4. An orchard heater comprising in combination, a fuel container having an outlet neck at its top for the discharge of gases generated in the container, a stack of greater cross sectional area than the outlet neck arranged above said neck, a vertically corrugated collar interposed between the outlet neck and the lower end of the stack to receive the gases discharged through the neck and to admit air to the stack, a baflie arranged within the collar and spaced therefrom. to provide an annular passage for the discharge of the gases deiiected outwardly by the baffle, and supporting arms for the baiiie extending radially therefrom through the corrugated collar.

5. An orchard heater comprising in combination, a fuel container having an outlet neck at its top for the discharge of gases generated in the container, a stack of greater cross sectional than the outlet neck arranged above said neck, a vertically corrugated collar interposed between the outlet neck and the lower end of the stack to receive the gases discharged through the neck and to admit air to the stack, a baiile arranged within the collar and spaced therefrom to provide an annular passage for the discharge of the gases deflected outwardly by the baiiie, and supporting arms for the baffle extending radially therefrom through the corrugated collar, the outer ends of the arms supporting said stack.

6. An orchard heater comprising in combination, a fuel container having an outlet neck at its top for the discharge of gases generated in the container, a stack of greater cross sectional than the outlet neck arranged above said neck, a vertically corrugated collar interposed between the outlet neck and the lower end of the stack to receive the gases discharged through the neck and to admit air to the stack, a baie arranged within the collar and spaced therefrom to provide an annular passage for the discharge of the gases deiiected outwardly by the battle, and supporting arms for the baie extending radially therefrom through the corrugated collar, the outer ends of the arms being bevelled, and a downwardly and outwardly inclined flange formed on the lower edge of the stack resting upon the bevelled outer ends of the arms.

7. An orchard heater including a fuel container having a gas outlet neck at its top, a vertically corrugated collar on the gas outlet neck, a combustion chamber having its lower portion supported by and surrounding the collar, a gas deflector arranged within the collar and spaced therefrom, the upper end of the collar having V-shaped air openings, the upper end portion of the collar having additional air slots extending downwardly from the apices of the il-shaped openings to a point adjacent the deflector.

8. An orchard heater including a fuel container having a gas outlet neck at its top, a vertically corrugated collar on the gas outlet neck, a combustion chamber having its lower portion supported by and surrounding the collar, a gas deilector arranged within the collar and spaced therefrom, the upper end of the collar having V-shaped air openings, the upper end portion of the collar having additional air slots extending downwardly from the apices of the V-shaped openings to a point adjacent the derlector, and arms extending radially from the deiiector through the slots to rest on the lower ends of said slots to support the defiector.

9. An orchard heater including a fuel container having a gas outlet neck at its top, a vertically corrugated collar on the gas outlet neck, a combustion chamber having its lower portion supported by and surrounding the collar, a gas deflector arranged within the collar and spaced therefrom, the upper end of the collar having V-shaped air openings, the upper end portion of the collar having additional air slots extending downwardly from the apices of the V-shaped openings to a point adjacent the deector, and arms extending radially from the deiiector through the slots to rest on the lower ends of said slots to support the deector, the outer ends of said arms supporting the combustion chamber.

l0. An orchard heater including a fuel container having an outlet neck at its upper end. for the discharge of gases generated in said container, a vertically corrugated collar encircling the neck and projecting thereabove, a stack encircling the upper portion of the corrugated collar, said corrugations forming a series of inner gas receiving passages, and a series of outer air receiving passages to deliver air to the stack, the lower ends of the gas receivingrpassages being closed.

11. An orchard heater including a fuel container having an outlet neck at its upper end for the discharge of gases generated in said container, a vertically corrugated collar encircling the neck and projecting thereabove, a stack encircling the upper portion of the corrugated collar, said corrugations forming a series of inner gas receiving passages, and a series of outer air receiving passages to deliver air to the stack, the lower ends of the gas receiving passages being closed, said collar having vertical air slots extending downwardly from its upper edge, and a gas deector arranged Within the collar adjacent the lower ends of the vertical air slots, the defleotor being spaced from the collar.

12. A heater of the character described in- 10 cluding a fuel container having an outlet for gases generated in said container, a stack above the outlet, a longitudinally corrugated tubular collar receiving the gases from said outlet and extending into the lower end of the stack to pass the gases into the stack, and a baie arranged in the collar for deflecting the gases outwardly against the collar, said collar being provided with openings in the upper portion thereof to admit air into the collar and stack.

HOWARD H. CHRISTENSEN. 10 

